AUSTIN, Texas — Iconic music showcase "Austin City Limits" is celebrating 50 years, and it will kick of its anniversary celebration with a special event honoring one of country music's biggest names.
On Thursday, Sept. 5, the program will induct Garth Brooks into the "Austin City Limits" Hall of Fame. The event, which begins at 7:30 p.m., will be held at the program's studio home, ACL Live at the Moody Theater. Brooks and his band will perform for the occasion.
A limited number of tickets were available, but the event is now sold out.
Brooks has a long history with "Austin City Limits." He appeared on the program in 1990 and returned a decade later to both open and close its 25th season with two hour-long episodes. Then in 2022, Brooks returned again for two non-broadcast events to close Studio 6A on the University of Texas at Austin campus, where "Austin City Limits" first started recording back in 1974.
"To be part of anything 'Austin City Limits' is and always has been an honor," Brooks said in a statement. "I am humbled and grateful to not only be a part of the 50th Anniversary, but to be inducted into the ACL Hall of Fame is over the top."
Brooks is the No. 1 selling solo artist in U.S. history, certified by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) with 162 million album sales. He has received the Kennedy Center Honor and the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. He has nine Diamond Awards from the RIAA and has won CMA Entertainer of the Year seven times.
"Austin City Limits" taped its pilot episode on Oct. 17, 1974, and premiered on PBS the following year.
Since its inception a decade ago, the "Austin City Limits" Hall of Fame has honored the legendary artists who have played a pivotal role in the program's history. More than 20 artists have been inducted at nine ceremonies, including Willie Nelson, Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble, Loretta Lynn, Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt, Kris Kristofferson, Bonnie Raitt, B.B. King, Roy Orbison, Ray Charles, Lyle Lovett, Buddy Guy, Sheryl Crow and more.
The Ninth Annual Hall of Fame induction last year welcomed John Prine and Trisha Yearwood, who happens to be Brooks' wife of nearly 19 years.
ACL's new season will premiere on Sept. 28 on PBS.